1988 Mercury Sable Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 18%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the steering of the 1988 Mercury Sable, 18% of the 126 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“11/8/98 returned home after taking husband to work 4 mile round trip. Parked 2 doors down, 20 to 25 minutes, heard an explosion and got a telephone call from neighbor that my car was on fire , fire truck arrived and said my battery caused the fire. My car was ruled as totaled. I do have a report from the fire mashall's office. 2nd complaint, relpaced 2 pressure power steering hose and 1 return hose and still had a power steering leak. Also 3 batteries and 2 tensioners.”
NHTSA complaint #708553, filed 1999-07“Power steering leaks started in 1995 after the motor mounts broke and the automobile was taken in many times to repair the leaks to no avail. Hoses and lines were replaced twice, seals were replaced on ps pump, and finally in 1998 the vehicle was taken to a non ford dealer and they were able to fix the problem by replacing the power steering rack and pinion. The money spent was well over $2100.00 to finally repair the leaks. This included the replacement of the motor mounts which were a recall item and I paid for this. I was told that it was not a warranty or recall problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #720073, filed 2000-03“Power assist hose is too close to exhaust manifold. Heat is burning a hole through rubber hose, causing fluid leakages and loss of power steering assist. Also, can lead to a possible fire. Dealer was notified and informed consumer that they have a heat service shield kit available at a cost to the consumer. Asking NHTSA to look into this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #894892, filed 2001-08“While driving at 35 MPH steering went out which locked steering wheel in a straight position. Steering wheel was jerking and vibrating, and the consumer had to force the steering wheel in order to pull the vehicle over to the side without causing any type of accident.”
NHTSA complaint #834905, filed 1999-02Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 16 | 26% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 1% |
| 1999 | 33 | 13% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 19 | 8% |
| 1996 | 36 | 12% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 26 | 4% |
| 1992 | 28 | 8% |
| 1991 | 27 | 12% |
| 1990 | 24 | 14% |
| 1989 | 22 | 9% |
| 1988 | 23 | 18% |
| 1987 | 8 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1988 Mercury Sable
29 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Mercury Sable
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology